RITTER'S WIDOW DENIES GREED SPECULATION

JOHN RITTER's widow has denied accusations her $67 million (GBP33.5 million) wrongful death lawsuit against two doctors she accuses of mishandling the actor on the night he died is motivated by greed.

Amy Yasbeck claims her husband would still be alive if staff had taken a simple X-ray when Ritter checked into hospital, complaining of chest pains in 2003.

Doctors eventually realised the actor had a tear in a blood vessel, but it was too late and the 54-year-old suffered a fatal heart attack.

Yasbeck, who has already won $14 million (GBP7 million) in settlements - including $9 million (GBP4.5 million) from Los Angeles' Providence St. Joseph Medical Center - insists her lawsuit is about seeking accountability for Ritter's death.

She also hopes her ongoing efforts will help educate others about the condition that killed her husband.

She says, "I'm asking for responsibility to be taken and recognition to be brought to this problem."

The misdiagnosis trial is due to start on 11 February (08). The two doctors named in the lawsuit deny any wrongdoing.